May 2014 - Bite Magazine

Transcription

Take
Me I’m
Free
Sav ur
united flavours of Edinburgh
Page 24
www.bite-magazine.com
May 2014
Restaurant & Bar Reviews,
Food, Wine, Beer, Cocktails, Listings
Written
by
locals!
Your Independent, Local Guide to Eating and
Drinking in Edinburgh
Credo
Restaurant
Modern European Dining in a
stylish and relaxed setting
3 Courses for £15.00
2 Courses for £11.50 & Daily Lunch
Menu & Weekend Brunch Menu
46 Queen Charlotte Street EH6 7EX - 0131 629 1411
www.credorestaurant.co.uk
[email protected]
Please
Quote Bite for
10% Discount
Belgian "beer infused"
Brasserie
Small sharing plates.
Lava steak stones.
Mussels & frites.
Gourmet Neapolitan pizzas.
Belgian & Scottish craft beers.
Barn Cocktail Mixology.
9 North Bank St, Edinburgh, EH3 1DF – 0131 226 1178
Mon-Wed 11:30am to 12am; Thurs-Sat 11:30am to 1am; Sun 11:30am to 11pm
www.crafters-barn.co.uk
Sav ur
June 15th 1pm-6pm at Summerhall
This summer an exciting new event is coming to Edinburgh
Join us on the 15th June for a laid, back and convivial Sunday afternoon where you can taste, explore,
enjoy and journey around a carefully curated selection of food and drink from a some of Edinburgh’s finest
local wine merchants, chefs, mixologists and artisan food and drink producers.
The Savour team will be taking over Summerhall, the former Royal Dick Vet School, and transforming this
creative hub into a virtual menu where spaces will be used imaginatively to create a fun journey around
a wealth of produce.
Highlights... l The Beer Lab – Take a gastronomical journey through the world of beer to understand more about the
amber nectar led by the UK's first MSc Gastronomy students from Queen Margaret University, enjoy a
multi-sensory experience through the history, culture and making of different beers ending up with a blind
taste test. An experience which will change your beer goggles...
l The Main Course –- Delve into the world of Edinburgh's savoury flavours. Browse the delicious array
of goodies on offer from Edinburgh's chefs, producers and retailers, sample the delights and put together
a feast of small plates available to buy from each stand and pair them with some of the fantastic wine,
beer, cocktails and soft drinks available. Create a mini banquet with your friends and family, soak up the
atmosphere and indulge in some local deliciousness.
l The Pudding Hall – This beautiful room has large arched windows which overlook The Meadows and
will be set with a long table to create a pudding banquet! Be part of our sweet toothed feast and join us in
the Main Hall for a mad-hatter style feast of puddings, patisserie and pretty things...
l The Cheese Lounge and Larder – The former Bone Library of the Veterinary College will be
transformed by Edinburgh Larder who will sell a variety of chutneys, pickles, cordials and other goodies.
Match these with a platter of Scottish, British and Irish Cheeses and retire to the lounge to savour!
l Midsummer Cider Shed – Idun’s Cider will transform this Hansel and Gretel style shed into a tasting
room for Swedish Cider. Refresh yourself with Lingonberry, Elderflower and Pear flavours.
Tickets are £15 and are available from
Larder loves Fridays!
Kick off the weekend with a
tasty dinner + a Hendricks cocktail
£35
2 courses
a cocktail
for 2 people
Facebook.com/Edinburghlarder
Follow us @Ed_Larderbistro
Photo: Simone Hilliard.
1A ALVA ST
EDINBURGH . EH2 4PH
0131 225 4599
[email protected]
Food at
As well as an extensive wine list with
many sold by the glass, we now
also have an Extended Food
Menu. Cheese, charcuterie & fish
platters, gilled snails, beef
sandwich, Croque Monsieur,
steamed mussels and two burger
lunches per month.
NOW TAKING BOOKINGS
Monthly wine tastings and
private area also available.
St Ann's Oratory
9 Randolph PLace, Edinburgh.
0131 5381815 • www.ledivin.co.uk
Words
Lesley Cunningham
Mark Earl
Rachel Edwards
Nikki Fletcher
Jean-Michel Gauffre
The Go-Between
The Insider
Leila Kean
Emma Louise McGettrick
Eileen Taylor
Sharon Wilson
James Wrobel
Subbing
Leila Kean
Front Cover
Thanks to Stac Polly
In this issue
06
07
09
10
11
13
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
31
32
33
34
35
36
Salt ‘n’ Sauce
Scottish Seasonal Cheese of the Month Connage Gouda
Review Crafters Barn
Recipe from Credo Restaurant
Review Calistoga
Review Aizle
Reader Review Asti
Preview Serrano Manchego
Reader Review Au Bar
The Insider The Restaurant Man’s Restaurant
Review Whiski Rooms
Beer Pressure Drop Brewing
Out Of Town Review Carfraemill Hotel
Languedoc Notebook Easter and Wild Asparagus
Reader Review Mrs Singh’s Wee Curry House
Forthcoming Event Savour
Cocktails I Can Has Cocktail?
Real Foods Seven A Day?
Off The Trolley Marshmallow Fluff
Healthy Eating With CNM
What’s in Season Arran? Where’s That?
Listings
Publisher/Editor
Sharon Wilson I 01383 616126 I M 07780 763613
[email protected] I www.bite-magazine.com
Design I Donna Earl I [email protected]
© Bite Magazine 2014 – All items contained within
this publication are copyright to Bite Publishing and
cannot be taken or edited without the permission
from the copyright holder.
This magazine is printed on sustainable paper.
5
6
Salt ‘n’ Sauce
Newsy nibbles this month...
Bread Street Brasserie, now under the
Double Tree by Hilton banner, host their
next monthly Vegan evening on Thursday
22nd, during national Vegetarian week
(19th-25th May). Next door in Monboddo,
Afternoon Tea is now available daily from
12-5pm (£12 pp) – 0131 221 5555.
Ross Baxter Patissier has opened The Bostock
Bakery as part of Why Not in North Berwick.
Why Not is home to a community of producers
bringing locally sourced products to the
customer under one roof. A ‘bostock’ is a French
pastry that Ross will specialize in at his bakery.
On May 12th you can join The Wee
Restaurant's chef/owner Craig Wood, de
Brus brewery’s David Austin, and brewer
Douglas Ross to sample a range of local
beers matched with Craig's food. De Brus
is Dunfermline’s only independentlyowned brewery. Monday 12th May, 7pm,
The Wee Restaurant, North Queensferry
£30 – 01383 616263 to book.
Hello Chocolate based in Fife is run
by chocolatier Gill Lyth. Already
supplying Gleneagles and The
Balmoral with her artisan handmade
chocolates, Gill is now developing an
exclusive bespoke service following
invites from a number of event
organisers for her chocolates.
They also sell online at
www.hello-chocolate.co.uk
A Room in
the West
End, A Room
in Leith,
Teuchters
Bar and
Teuchters
Landing all
have tastings.
Saturday 17th May is World Whisky
Day and A Room in the West End is
showcasing an exciting four course
menu with matched single malts
£40.00 pp. There is an informal
Talisker tasting in Teuchters Landing
on Tuesday 13th 5.30pm. More info
and full details at a room in the west
end 0131 226 1036, teuchters bar 0131
225 2973, a room in leith, 0131 554
7427, teuchters landing 0131 554
7427 – www.aroomin.co.uk – Slainte
The Sheraton Grand
Hotel & Spa has
announced the
appointment of Craig
Hart as Executive Chef of
One Square. Craig takes
over from Malcolm
Webster and joins The
Sheraton from the worldfamous Gleneagles Hotel
in Perthshire. More info at
The Old Bakehouse in
West Linton has changed
hands. The new owner is
celebrity chef Tony Singh.
Scottish Seasonal Cheese of the Month:
Connage Gouda
Type of cheese – Hard cheese
Rennet – Vegetarian
Milk – Organic pasteurised
Description – Creamy, well textured cheese that
ranges from sweet and mild when young, maturing to a
stronger firmer texture with a full nutty flavour.
Sizes – Whole cheeses 10kg, vacuum portions aiming
for 250g or cut to any weight
If you would like some Scottish seasonal cheeses for the
cheese board in your restaurant please contact
www.tannygill.com – 0131 344 4200
Order all your cheese by Monday morning 11.00 am for
delivery Wednesday onwards same week.
7
CNM
COLLEGE OF NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE
TRAINING SUCCESSFUL PRACTITIONERS
Turn your passion for Nutrition into a career!
Become a Nutritional Therapist
through part-time study in Edinburgh with CNM,
the UK’s leading training provider in natural health
Find out more at our free-to-attend Open Evenings on Tuesday 6th
May and Tuesday 3rd June, 6.30pm to 8.30pm – Napier University,
Craiglockhart Campus, Off Glenlockhart Road, Edinburgh EH14 1DJ
Reserve your place for either event by calling 01342 410 505
or email [email protected] www.naturopathy-uk.com
• 90 malt whiskies, 18 beers on tap, 18 wines by the glass, teas and coffees
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner – all created using freshly prepared Scottish produce
•Game, seafood, vegetarian AND MUGS!
• Open 7 days from 10.30 am – 1am (outside seating until 10pm)
0131 554 7427 1c Dock Place EH6 6LU www.aroomin.co.uk
9
Crafters Barn Restaurant
and Bar A new Belgian bar on The Mound
T
Review:
here are a few places
in every city that you
can confidently
recommend for a variety of
eating and drinking pursuits.
With its fantastic location
right on the mound, the
newly-opened Crafters Barn
is exactly one of those
places that’ll appeal to a mix of folk from day
through to night. Decor is low-key but stylish,
and the picture windows are perfect for peoplewatching. There’s also a lovely terrace which will
be a hot-ticket as soon as the evenings warm up.
Drinks-wise, this independent is the latest in the
city’s burgeoning ‘beer-focussed’ spots, but the
difference is the majority are Belgian beers, with
a few local brews for good measure. The beer
list is well curated, showing off a fantastic
variety of Belgians including amber ales,
dubbels, lambics, and some lunchtime-friendly
lower abv fruit beers. There’s also an interesting
list of speciality house cocktails which include
the beers either as tops or reductions.
The menu offers an eclectic journey around a
few different themes. A nod to Belgium with kilo
pots of mussels (£12.95), a piccolino taste of Italy
with thin crust pizzas (from £8), Puddlebub farm
buffalo steaks cooked on stones at your table
(from £19.45), and tapas-style dishes (£2-6), many
of which use beer in the cooking. After extensive
perusal, my lunch-date Louise and I were drawn
to sharing some of the smaller plates and a pizza.
First thing’s first, everything was really tasty,
making for two extremely
happy lunchers. A hearty
buffalo shoulder stew was
the perfect example of the
payoff slow-cooking gives
meat; tender and
concentrated meaty flavour.
Goats’ cheese spring rolls
with a caramelised red onion
jam and pesto were a crisp, light delight, and
would match brilliantly with a fruity blond beer.
As a teaser to the upcoming summer season, a
plate of slender asparagus spears was served
with a sweet cauliflower purée, softly-poached
duck egg and a luxurious drizzle of white truffle
oil. Simple ingredients, left to sing their tune.
Our pizza with a Thai theme, and sporting
chicken,peppers and crispy noodles was perhaps
the least conventional of the available options,
but showed off their pizzaiolo’s mastery of his
craft in its satisfyingly chewy thin base.
A quick nod to their desserts must be included,
as the rich chocolate fondant and silky lemon
posset were both exemplary. Crafters Barn is
definitely on the list for another visit.
Leila Kean writes www.leilappetit.com
Crafters Barn Restaurant and Bar
– 9 North Bank Street, Edinburgh EH1 2LP
– 0131 226 1178
– www.crafters-barn.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon-Wed 11.30am-Midnight
Thu-Sat 11:30am-1am; Sun 11.30am-11pm
10
Signature Dish of the Month from Credo Restaurant
Pan-seared medallions of venison with garlic &
paprika Parmentier potatoes, baby vegetables and
rowanberry jus
Ingredients
8oz Fillet Venison
1 Clove garlic
Paprika
Olive oil
Knob of butter
3 Baby carrots
Handful mange-tout 5/6
1 tbl Rowanberries
Beef stock 1 cube
Rowanberry jelly
1 Baking potato
70ml Red wine
Method
The Venison – Heat a frying pan with a
drizzle of olive oil until pan is very hot. Place
the venison into the pan, brown 1 side for
approximately 1 minute and turn over for 1
more minute, this will cook the venison to
medium rare. Cook for longer for personal
preference. Set aside to rest. Remove potatoes from the oven and add a
light dusting of paprika. Add the mange-tout
to the carrots for 1 minute and drain both off.
Present potatoes and veg on a warmed plate,
add the venison and pour jus.
Garnish with fresh rowanberries.
Season venison fillet and cut into three
medallions Prepare water to boil carrots and mange-tout The Jus – Heat beef stock, 1/2 cup of water,
70ml red wine, 1tbl of rowanberry jelly in a
saucepan. Bring to boil and then simmer until
sauce is a slow pouring consistency.
Peel and cube (1cm cubes) the potato and par
boil for 5 mins, drain off. Heat roasting tray
with 2 tbl spoon olive oil, 1 crushed garlic
clove, salt and cracked black pepper. Toss the
potato cubes in oil and roast until lightly
brown in 240degree pre heated oven. (15 mins)
Add peeled baby carrots to boiling water
until al dente.
Credo Restaurant
– 46 Queen Charlotte Street,
Edinburgh EH6 7EX
– 0131 629 1411
– www.credorestaurant.co.uk
Y
Review:
11
Calistoga Sidestreet special
ou could almost think
you were living
dangerously in this
genteel town when cutting up
the quiet cobbled lane to
Calistoga. But even without
the intriguing location,
Calistoga has its own spicy
edge. Having lived in California, they know
how to show off colourful flavours, including
a chilli zing where appropriate, in a chic
relaxing low-lit ambience. With multiple
awards including an AA Rosette for food,
clearly it takes more than hiding from passing
trade to evade consistent word-of-mouth
plaudits on quality and value.
Their USP – along with ‘valet parking for
cyclists’ – has to be the policy on wine markup of just £5 per bottle on their Californian list,
also available from offshoot Sideways Wine
Store. We sampled their wine tasting dinner,
offered at congressional, senatorial &
presidential levels, including 3 courses & coffee
at £33, £38 & £44 respectively, accessible to
everyone from wine rookies to buffs.
The tasting, in a comfortable private room up
to an hour before eating, allows wine-buying
partner Alastair to confer knowledgeable
insight with engaging warmth, gently
dislodging preconceptions and leaving us
much enthused with his individual wines &
ready to eat – a lovely way to relax and
prepare to savour food after a busy day, rather
than rushing our digestion. Check their
newsletter for Wine Wednesdays
– democracy in action, where
customers elect new wines.
A healthy feel to their unique
menu was shown in the bright
vegetable jewels contained in my
confit chicken, corn & pastrami
terrine with sweet red pepper dressing.
Pastrami, an unusual ingredient, had its flavour
& texture used to great advantage here.
Smoked haddock & prawn came atop a dinky
but tasty risotto.
Pork fillet, moist & tender inside thin crispy
batter, had rich blue cheese sauce and
delicious mash spiked with fine slices of red &
green chilli. A nicely-done seared tuna slab
was complemented by sweet potato fries – &
we now knew exactly which wines would
work best with the Flat Iron steak, and why.
We were pleased the package included
desserts as they are not to be missed – all
were excellent, though the praline cheesecake
with cherries was possibly the star.
(The Go-Between)
Calistoga & Sideways Wine
– 70-2 Rose St N Lane, Edinburgh EH2 3DX
– 0131 225 1233
– www.calistoga.co.uk
– www.sidewayswines.co.uk
Opening hours
7 days, noon-2.30 & 5pm-10pm
‘That’s NEW’
Delicious Loose leaf tea
is NOW being served
‘Drink tea, eat cake’
Great tasting cake that comes with a ‘no leftover’ guarantee
Specialists in wedding & celebration cakes
Call 0131 555 6065, email [email protected], web lacerise.biz, fb lacerise cerise, tw laceriseleith
199 Great Junction Street, Leith Edinburgh EH6 5LQ
Scottish Restaurant, Brasserie, Wine
& Gin Bar in Edinburgh's New Town
– Scottish gins, fine wines & Orkney Island beers
– Hearty rustic meals and light snacks available for
lunch
– New à la carte menu with seasonal Scottish produce
– Aberdeen Angus beef, Shetland salmon, Spring lamb,
West Coast cod, rabbit & mussels
– Outdoor eating and drinking areas are the ideal place
to enjoy a cool gin on warmer days
29-33 dublin street, edinburgh eh3 6nl
tel: 0131 556 2231
new website – www.stacpolly.com
13
Review:
Aizle Rhymes with Hazel
explosion; there is also wild trout
and avocado purée on seaweed
crackers and lamb ragout and
garlic presented in an egg shell.
Superb sourdough is from
Andante Bakery in Morningside.
“We sent the Skate back this
morning, it wasn’t good enough”.
A post-prandial chat with Chef
Stuart Ralston reveals a
demanding attitude to his
suppliers “I send things back all
the time”.
I suspected as much a couple of
hours earlier when me and Mr Bite
sat down to eat at this new ‘neo-bistro’; highend cooking in a relaxed environment to you
and me. Forget a traditional menu, instead you
will be presented with a list of ingredients
which the chefs will cook to present a set
tasting menu; officially four courses.
Loch Etive trout, Ayrshire pork, Carlingford
oysters, Heritage Carrots, Yorkshire rhubarb,
sweet cicely, pink purslane, Wye Valley
asparagus – all pop out making the words
‘seasonal’ and ‘local’ redundant. Produce is
quite simply the best available meaning the
menu could change daily, skate is off and a nice
piece of pork is on.
A leap of faith from the customer is required
but you are in the safest hands. Just inform Aizle
of any dietary requirements prior to booking.
Business partner to Stuart and mixologist
Krystal makes me The Rose, from a small menu
of April Cocktails; Tapatio Tequila, raw rhubarb,
rose water, rhubarb bitters, and lime (£6).
Beautiful.
‘Snacks’ are Carlingford oysters with sea lettuce
and diced ‘chipsticks’; a creamy, sea-salt
Starters are soft veal tongue with
sweet, fruity heritage carrots.
Mains are Loch Etive trout, the
best I have tasted, no contest. The Ayrshire pork
that comprises the meat course is so tender you
could eat it with a spoon.
Puddings and petit fours keep up the pace. For
me, cold poached rhubarb sticks with meringue
that is at once frothy and crisp. Cold, sweetcicely infused soup. Mr Bite refuses outright to
part with more than a tiny taste of what is the
ultimate chocolate délice. Pâte de Fruits of Earl
Grey, grapefruit and lemon zest are all wobbly
and delightful.
I am amazed that a sous-vide waterbath hasn’t
been used in the kitchen. Every ingredient is so
tender and flavoursome but Stuart tells me
everything is cooked ‘old school’.
£35 is a steal and an ever changing menu means
you can return often although I suspect it may
soon prove tricky to secure a table. (S. Wilson)
Aizle
– 107-109 St. Leonard’s Street,
Edinburgh EH8 9QY – http://aizle.co.uk
Opening hours
Wed-Sun, Dinner only.
NOW OPEN IN
BRUNTSFIELD
INAA AWARD FOR BEST
BARBERS IN SCOTLAND
136 Bruntsfield Place
EH10 4ER
0131 229 5566
www.boombarbers.co.uk
Celebrate Spring with our twist on traditional Afternoon Tea and Spring menu.
Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco
Pure indulgence, enjoy a selection of fresh sandwiches, traditional
Scottish cakes, biscuits and homemade scones, all served with
speciality teas and coffees.Available daily from 2pm to 4pm.
£12.50 per person
Spring Dining – 3 courses with a glass of Prosecco
Delicious fresh local produce with a contemporary twist,
enjoy our 3-course set menu available Thursday and Friday,
5pm to 9.30pm.
£21.00 per person
Both offers valid until 22nd June 2014. Pre-booking required.
Hotel Indigo Edinburgh 51-59 York Place, Edinburgh, EH1 3JD
E : [email protected]
W : www.hotelindigoedinburgh.co.uk
Please call 0131 556 5577
to make a reservation
EDINBURGH
I
Reader Review:
Asti Six clean plates!
t was the day before Mother’s Day – what
better excuse for a long, late lunch?
Having enticed Mum to travel into
Edinburgh with the promise of Italian food
(her favourite), we arrived at Asti after an
appetite-enhancing stroll up from the
Botanics. At 2.30pm the small but elegant
restaurant was vibrant with happy customers.
We settled into comfortable seats at our
table by the window in the back room,
overlooking pleasant greenery (the more
informal café area would be great for peoplewatching on Broughton Street).
There is an interesting à la carte and a
blackboard listing some very tempting daily
specials, many of which come in both smaller
and larger sizes. However, having decided on
the 2 course lunch menu (£9.95), we then had
the slightly easier task of choosing from the 4
options for each course.
The first courses were outstanding: a large
bowl of pumpkin, ginger and lentil soup with
chunky croutons was much enjoyed by Mum,
while Graham loved his generous pecorino,
pea and mint crostino with rocket and good
balsamic vinegar. My scoop of mousse-light
duck pâte was pink and gamey,
complemented by sweet onion and raisin
chutney and crunchy, chewy toast.
Mains were a large tomato and mozzarella
panino for Mum, which she surprised herself
by finishing, al dente linguine with succulent
meatballs in tomato sauce for Graham, and a
creamy goats’ cheese, beetroot and rocket
risotto for me – perfect comfort food! Our
only criticism was that the last two needed a
little extra zing – perhaps a touch of chilli in
the sauce and a hint of lemon in the risotto?
An excellent Nero d’Avola (£21.50) matched
the food very well.
Mum should have the last word: ‘The service
was the best I’ve ever had in a restaurant.’
Arrivederci Asti!
Thanks to Lesley Cunningham
Asti
– 73 Broughton Street, Edinburgh EH1 3RJ
– 0131 558 9156
– www.astirestaurant.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon -Thu 8am-10pm; Fri 8am-11pm;
Sat 9am-11pm;; Sun 9am-10pm
15
16
L
Serrano Manchego
Preview:
Cerveza, Vino, Café, Pinchos
eith Walk locals have
been watching a
transformation. The
Dalmeny Bar is no more; enter
Serrano Manchego.
Dusty, dark décor, wonky
furniture and the ‘spit and
sawdust’ ambience of a
bygone era are all gone.
Instead Serrano Manchego will serve vino
tinto from the barrel, Spanish wine by the
carafe and glass, cerveza, coffee and pinchos.
Street to ceiling windows will allow the
afternoon sun to flood in. Walls have been
stripped to reveal original brickwork and the
cornicing will remain. Jamóns will hang above
a tiled white bar and a sexy new
Nespresso machine is about to
take centre stage as Bite goes to
press.
The bar is the latest opening
from Mambo Bars & Clubs Ltd,
theme bar and club operators of
El Barrio and The Shack in
Edinburgh and Glasgow. Owner
Hector Lazcano and Operations Manager
Camron Cube tell Bite – “we want to create a
relaxed bar on Leith Walk. Somewhere you
can pop in for good coffee, enjoy a pinchos
or cheese board and sample some fine
Spanish wines, cava or even sherry.”
They give me a sneak preview of the Pinchos
menu. Pinchos (or pintxos) are traditional in
Northern Spain and the Basque region. The
name derives from the toothpicks they are
spiked with and they are to be enjoyed
socially alongside a drink.
I am excited to see that croquettes feature
prominently. Served frio and caliente you will
be able to choose from jamóns, queso,
salmon, haggis with whisky salsa. tortilla,
chorizo in vino blanco, morcilla and more.
“Dos cervezas por favour” is soon to be heard
on Leith Walk.
Serrano Manchego is due to open at
297 Leith Walk at the end of May.
image: Ardo Beltz / CC-BY-SA-3.0
A
Reader Review:
17
Au Bar West End Oasis
u Bar in the heart of Edinburgh’s West
End presents a peaceful oasis brightly
decorated with Art Nouveau, a wall of
William Morris wallpaper and a long Renoiresque mural.
The seating is thoughtful with a selection of
private booths where one can admire the
magnificent wrought ironwork of the bar the
vast selection of drinks available.
An absence of big screens results in a civilised,
women-friendly ambience. Staff are friendly,
approachable and helpful and table service is
an unexpected bonus in a pub environment.
And so to the food. There is a standard, fairly
extensive, menu offering typical bar favourites
such as burgers, jacket potatoes, fish and chips
and haggis (including the intriguing-sounding
haggis balls starter with curried mayonnaise),
served all day.
The French chef, Laurent, also creates a weekly
specials menu. When I visited with a couple of
friends, we tried the Moroccan-spiced sea bass
fillet and sautéed potatoes with a red onion,
crispy bacon and rocket salad plus the roasted
leek stuffed with baked ham Mornay, herby
potato rosti and broccoli gratin (both from the
specials menu £8.55 and £8.35 respectively),
and my third companion had the fish and
chips.
The sea bass was perfectly cooked, flaking
under the fork and delicately spiced with
paprika and chilli. This left a pleasing afterglow
on the tongue and was perfectly
complemented by the potatoes and crisp
salad. I was initially concerned that the roasted
leek would be overwhelmingly cheesy but it
proved tasty whilst the Mornay and broccoli
gratin went astonishingly well together. The
rosti was also cooked to perfection and
contrasted well with the creamy Mornay.
Companion three was served with the largest
portion of beautifully battered fish I have ever
seen, complete with peas, salad, crispy thickcut chips and half a seared lemon. All the
dishes we tried were extremely reasonably
priced (with the gargantuan fish and chips
being the most expensive at £9.95).
We followed our lunch with the best coffee I
have tasted in some time which, I understand,
they also make to take away. There is a varied
and acceptably priced wine list, as well as a
vast selection of draught and bottled beers
and ciders, and over sixty rums.
My companions and me thoroughly enjoyed
our lunch, and would have no qualms about
recommending Au Bar to all Bite readers.
Thanks to Eileen Taylor
Au Bar
– 101 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4SD
– 0131 228 2648
– www.au-bar.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon-Thu 8am-midnight; Fri 8am-1am;
Sat 8am-1am; Sun 10am-10pm
18
The Restaurant Man’s
Restaurant
Insider:
R
ussell Norman is that ‘The Restaurant
Man’ off the telly – a very welcome
antidote to the parsnip faced
swearmonger, Mr G. Ramsey PLC. In another
life, Russell rolls out restaurants like Mary
Berry rolls out puff pastry. They are quickly
populated by London’s beau monde. He also
affords gainful employ to the most beautiful
chef in the world (at Polpetto, get a seat near
the open kitchen). The man can do no wrong
in the Insider household.
But hark; hear that crash, like the London Eye
shattering into a million tiny pieces? That’s
Russell Norman that is. We’ve just eaten at his
self-styled a kind of Jewish deli, E Mishkins, in
London’s Theatreland.
A brilliant spot by an under siege barman got
us two stools at the bar and then nothing…
for about 20 minutes. When stuff did arrive,
about an hour in, it was underpickled
(herring); without advertised mustard (salt
beef); dry and lacking cheese (macaroni) and
too lightly smoked and watery (salmon). It’s
great value for tourist central mind (the
above was £22). On the way out I asked what
the pub next door was like “that’s a recent
acquisition of ours, Russell likes to call it a
pub for people who don’t like pubs.” Oh
Russell, what next, a newsagent for people
who don’t like newspapers?
Luckily we were staying near The Ten Bells in
Whitechapel, a pub (surprise, surprise) for
people who like pubs, which also houses a
restaurant in a beautiful room upstairs.
Enough free (Poilâne) bread to feed the 5,000
and a bottle of tap water arrive as we sit
down. The menu is brief but reads beautifully:
Buttermilk & pine chicken; smoked mackerel
(perfect, almost raw) with tropea onions;
skate wing & brown shrimps with spiced
butter and roast pineapple with goat’s milk
yoghurt rice pudding and madras curry sorbet
(astonishing, and I hate curry). Every dish – a
singular and wonderful innovation this – is
served by the effortlessly charming (really)
chefs. Three courses and drinks for 40 quid
represents fantastic value.
On leaving we are approached by a
dreadlocked beggar with a novel approach to
his craft. Whilst singing a song for us he
announces, “Your wife looks just like Audrey
Hepburn.” (Well worth a £1 sir.) “And you look
like Robert De Niro.” Aghast, I say, “But he’s in
his 70s!” He’s too quick for me though, “I meant
in The Godfather.” (A £5 note changes hands.)
Russell Norman likes to call it a pub for people who don’t
like pubs
W
Review:
19
Whiski Rooms Sophisticated Scottish
alking into the
bistro at Whiski
Rooms on a sunny
Tuesday evening felt like a
treat. The setting of the
restaurant on the mound is
idyllic especially on a rare
sunlit occasion. I brought
along the lovely Miss Butler
to help me sample their array of dishes. She is
my most Scottish friend – she definitely
knows her Cullen Skink from her Cranachan
and therefore the perfect accomplice.
For starter, I opted for the haggis spring rolls
with spiced plum sauce (£6.95). Miss Butler,
the North Sea tiger prawns, sauce vierge
(£7.75). My spring rolls were spicier than
expected but the haggis filling worked
wonderfully with the zingy sauce. The prawns
were plump and perfectly cooked. The sauce
vierge was a little heavy on the capers; they
were the main component and
overshadowed the prawns.
Our main courses were the stars of the show.
For me, the shin of Scottish beef, confit
potatoes, curly kale, beetroot purée,
horseradish jus (£15.95) and for my pal, roast
pork belly, with orange and cumin glaze,
braised red cabbage, sautéed potatoes,
caramelised apple (£15.50). My shin of beef
was succulent and rich balanced with the
freshness of the beetroot and kale. The confit
potatoes added that extra something
naughty to an already decadent plate. The
pork belly was both crispy and succulent in
all the right places. The
spices from the glaze
and the cabbage added
another layer to the
flavour and the apples
offered both the
sweetness and tartness
that is needed to cut
through pork.
For pudding, we both fancied the Whiski’s
rhubarb and apple crumble with Luca’s vanilla
ice cream (£7.50). We were presented with a
generous portion of sweet, crunchy crumble
perfectly balanced with the vanilla ice cream.
Comforting and classic.
To drink, we enjoyed a glass of red. The menu
suggests a whisky that pairs well with each
dish. This being a Tuesday, we were sensible,
but I would be very tempted to visit again and
go for the full food and whisky experience.
Overall, I was pleasantly impressed with both
the food and service at Whiski Rooms. It is
not somewhere to be banished to the list of
tourist-hungry, faux-Scottish restaurants but
instead should be viewed as a stylish bistro
making the best of Scottish ingredients.
(E L McGettrick)
The Whiski Rooms
– 7-9 N Bank St, Edinburgh EH1 2LP
– 0131 225 7224
– www.whiskirooms.co.uk
Opening hours
Monday-Sunday 12 noon ‘till late
20
Beer:
I
Pressure Drop Brewing
t can be tricky to remember,
but not everything that hails
from “Daan Saaf” is
intrinsically evil. London may be
home to all the very worst
people in the United Kingdom,
but it also hosts its own little
micro-brewing explosion where
once vacant lots all over the
capital are being kitted out by
scruffy looking blokes and blokettes,
mashing, sparging and bottling. In the run up
to what is clearly shaping up to be a heated
and literally divisive referendum, I thought it
was only fair to highlight one of the seventy
or so active breweries within the M25.
Like most of these breweries, Pressure Drop
are a very young company; their beers have
been available for just over a year and tick a
load of the expected boxes for the current
beer scene; snazzy, over-designed labelling,
stupid names and a pair of hop-forward pale
ales.
I presume the name comes from the Toots &
the Maytals song or the subheading makes no
sense. They’ve yet to release any barrel aged
beer or daft Imperial IPA’s, but give them time.
Their most notable beers are the Bosko (a
damn fine IPA) and the Freimann’s
Dunkelweiss, a very brave attempt to crack a
not very fashionable style. I love me a good
Real reggae reggae sauce
Bavarian Dunkelweiss; creamy, fluffy, with a
bit of estery sweetness and an edge of grit.
At their best they can manage to be
oxymoronically satisfying & moreish. The
Friemann’s also uses a smoked malt which
adds an edge of sweet, crispy bacon in the
Bamberg style.
The beer is a mucky, swamp brown colour
and has a decent enough chestnut head. It
smells distinctly odd, with a burst of Rye
bread, a spoon of Nutella and maybe a bit of
caraway seed. The palate has the expected
sweet, toasted banana loaf character with the
meatier, savoury flavours being held in check
until the finish. It really won’t appeal to
everyone, but it is a damn good beer; in fact I
would go as far to say that it is the finest
smoked wheat beer I’ve tasted. Okay,
confession time. It’s only the second smoked
wheat beer I’ve tried, but the other one was
German and it was quite undrinkable.
(J Wrobel)
C
Out Of Town Review:
Carfraemill Hotel
arfraemill is situated
just south of Soutra
hill where the A68
meets the A697 at the
‘northern gateway’ to the
Scottish Borders and lies
only 21 miles south of
Edinburgh. It makes a
convenient stop off en
route to England, when returning or is simply
a good base for a variety of activities or
relaxing break.
The bar/restaurant with its log fire and comfy
seats is most inviting. Read a book, sup a pint,
and enjoy a meal.
The ten individually designed rooms are of a
very good standard and tick a lot of boxes, TV,
tea and coffee, nice furnishings, free wi-fi.
The Borders is home to some excellent food
producers and Carfraemill utilise them as
much as possible. The ‘Country Dinner Plates’
consisted mostly of pub favourites and we
weren’t tempted by the steak pie, fish and
chips offerings. Instead we chose from the
grill section of the menu. Mr Bite’s 8oz fillet
steak with a whisky and mushroom sauce was
superb, John Gilmour is the meat supplier.
Expectations were low for my pedestriansounding salmon fillet but in fact it was
smoked and delicious. The veg however, were
overcooked and tasteless. Wines by the glass
were limited and the only ‘real ale’ came in
the guise of Belhaven 80/-.
A break in The Borders
We had breakfast next
morning in the informal Jo’s
Kitchen, a family room
adjacent to the bar. With
an Aga and farmhouse feel
children are welcome and
games, books, toys and
drawing materials are
provided. Mr Bite’s Full
Scottish again made use of local produce and
he commented that the sausages in particular
reminded him of childhood. Ditto my salmon
and scrambled eggs which really hit the mark.
Carfraemill is a base for all types of sporting
holidays such as fishing, shooting, golfing,
archery, falconry, driving, clay pigeon
shooting, and quad biking, riding, canoeing,
walking and cycling. There is also The
Abbotsford (home of Walter Scott) nearby
and my favourite book shop (also a café and
deli) The Main St Trading Company at St
Boswell. (S. Wilson)
The Lodge, Carfraemill
– Lauder, Berwickshire TD2 6RA
– 01578 750750
– [email protected]
Opening hours
Food is served all day everyday from 7.30am
until 9pm Sun-Thu and until 10pm Fri and Sat.
Two nights, DB&B £140 per person with the
third night’s accommodation and breakfast
free when dinner is booked in the restaurant.
21
22
F
Languedoc Notebook:
Easter and Wild Asparagus
or the first time in many years I was
able to spend Easter at home and enjoy
some quality time with my Mum.
Easter of course is a very important date in
our culture; I remember as a child those never
ending church services with the flowers, the
scents of burning candles, the hymns, and all
the ritual, kneel, stand, seat, pray, and the
resulting sore knees; all leading of course to
the much anticipated Easter lunch.
I remember fondly Palm Sunday, “Les
Rameaux”. While the old people were getting
their branch of laurel blessed by the priest,
the childrens’ branches were decorated with
small fish and rabbit-shaped chocolates and
bells as well as my favourite marzipan baby
carrots and fruits...gluttony was not a sin that
day I suppose, as long as you could wait until
the end of the service before eating.
These days my waistline does not allow me
to have too many sweeties but I can still
enjoy the traditional Easter lunch of roast
gigot of milk-fed spring lamb served with
dauphinoise potatoes and flageolet beans
along with the first wild local asparagus. You
have to go foraging but it is worth the effort.
The Mediterranean oak tree covered hills
around Bedarieux are full of the spindly
spears as long as you can spot them hidden in
the bushes.
At home my mum serves them with boiled
egg mimosa (the plants are also in full bloom)
and together they make a lovely spring
starter. Those prized little spears are, as all
wild things, so much more flavoursome than
the cultivated kind which are most of the
time over-watered. It is like eating
“condensed” asparagus and with a touch of
wild sorrel, perfect with eggs and superb in
an omelette.
Of course I had to do the cooking this time
and I am unsure as to whether it matched my
mum’s standards. And I had to see my friend
Catherine at Clovallon to get a couple of
bottles from the Domaine; the 2008
Pomarede went down nicely! (JM Gauffre)
À bientôt!
Jean-Michel Gauffre
runs La Garrigue at
3 Jeffrey Street
23
Reader Review:
Mrs Singh’s Wee Curry House
T
Distinctively desirable
his new restaurant occupies premises
which have many happy associations
for me. Back in 1988, it was an excellent
Chinese establishment called KC’s which
Graham (now my husband) took me to for our
very first date – memorable mussels in black
bean sauce, lots of champagne and sparkling
conversation (on his side, anyway!) Later it
became the Masala Pot, now relocated to
London Road, which was also a firm favourite;
the place then had a number of (variously
successful) incarnations. So Mrs Singh’s had a
lot to live up to – and it did not disappoint.
Milldar had juicy chunks of meat in a luscious
spinach and garlic sauce. Both came with
exemplary steamed cumin rice (included in the
price, £10.95).
Even if you aren’t lucky enough to live just
round the corner from Mrs Singh’s (they also
have a branch in Liberton), it’s definitely worth
visiting for Indian food that is more than a
little bit different. We’ll be back!
According to the staff, the décor is a work in
progress, but we liked the dark red walls
adorned with mirrors and wall-mounted
candles – no trace of kitsch. The service is
super-friendly and knowledgeable about the
food, which was consistently excellent and
extremely good value (especially as you can
BYOB with no corkage).
Graham’s first course was a tangy channa chaat
(£3.50), which was just outshone by my Ambala
kebab, two subtly spiced, lean but tender lamb
patties beautifully presented with ribbons of
tamarind – tinged chilli sauce and a dot of
chilli oil. The restaurant specialises in desi
dishes (Indian home cooking), but
unfortunately the on-the-bone lamb desi was
finished. However, the boneless version was
richly flavoured with lots of garlic, ginger and
pungent coriander. Graham’s milder lamb
Thanks to Lesley Cunningham
Mrs Singh’s Wee Curry Shop
– 21 Dalziel Place, Meadowbank EH7 6TP
– 0131 661 1025
– www.mrssinghs-edinburgh.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon-Sun 5pm-late
24
Sav ur
This summer an exciting
new event is coming to
Edinburgh
June 15th 1pm-6pm
at Summerhall
oin us on the 15th June for a laidback and convivial Sunday afternoon
where you can taste, explore, enjoy
and journey around a carefully
curated selection of food & drink from some
of Edinburgh’s finest local wine merchants,
chefs, mixologists and artisan food and drink
producers.
J
The Savour team will be taking over
Summerhall, the former Royal Dick Vet
School, and transforming this creative hub
into a virtual menu where spaces will be used
imaginatively to create a fun journey around a
wealth of produce.
Sav ur
26
What’s on the menu?
The Beer Lab
Take a gastronomical journey through the world of beer to
understand more about the ‘amber nectar’. Curated by the
UK’s first MSc Gastronomy students from Queen Margaret
University. Enjoy a multi-sensory experience through the history,
culture and making of different beers ending up with a blind
taste test. An experience to challenge your beer goggles!
The Main Course
Delve into the world of Edinburgh’s savoury flavours. Browse
the delicious array of goodies on offer from Edinburgh’s chefs,
producers and retailers, sample the delights and put together a
feast of small plates available to buy from each stand and pair
them with some of the fantastic wine, beer,
cocktails and soft drinks available. Create a
mini banquet with your friends and family,
soak up the atmosphere and indulge in
some local deliciousness.
On the menu: Cullen Skink in a Scotch
Mist, mini-Sunday roasts, pulled pork,
smoked hot dogs, sushi, smoked fish,
Mediterranean dishes, spicy curries and
more!
Washing it down: local beers, wines of
the world, artisan coffee, Scottish soft drinks.
Soupmongers Union of Genius
will be serving Cullen Skink in a
Scotch Mist.
Including: Kyloe, The Hanging Bat, Union
of Genius, Simply Eat, Bistro Provence,
Sav ur
smoked fish from George Campbell and Sons, ChilliPapas and more!
Served in: The Old Dissection Room.
The Wine List
Some of Edinburgh’s finest wine merchants will be at hand to serve
you your favourite tipple. Sample what is on offer or buy a glass to go
with that smoked fish or pulled pork bap.
On the menu: Fresh aromatics, crisp French whites, punchy
Californian reds, fizz, big Tuscans, varietals from around the world
and maybe a sherry or two.
Including: Calistoga & Sideways Wines, Vino Wines, Bacco Wines,
Appellation Wines and more.
Poured in: The Dissection Hall.
The Soft Option
Not everyone likes a boozy lunch so we have plenty of sofites to
hand for you to...er...savour!
On the menu: Fresh coffees in the Dissection Hall, Teas, iced teas
and chai lattes in the Pudding Hall and 100% natural juice company
Super!Natural in the Dissection Hall.
Including: Eteaket, Roseleaf Bar Café, SuperNatural, Machina
Expresso.
Desserts
Be part of our sweet-toothed banquet and join us in the
Main Hall for a mad-hatter style feast of puddings,
patisserie and pretty things.
27
Sav ur
28
On the menu: chocolate tea cakes to
share, gourmet marshmallow, hand-made
truffles, custard, bostocks and patisserie and
more.
Washing it down: Bespoke teas, chai
latte, pot-tails and fruit beers.
Including: Eteaket, Roseleaf, Hello
Chocolate, Ross Baxter Patissier, Zukr
Boutique and The Pantry.
Served in: The Pudding Hall.
The Cheese Lounge and
Larder
Roseleaf Bar Café will be
serving ‘Pot-tails’ in the
Pudding Hall.
A meal isn’t a meal without cheese to round it
off. The former Bone Library of the Veterinary
College will be transformed by Edinburgh
Larder who will sell a variety of chutneys,
pickles, cordials and other goodies. Match
these with a platter of cheeses and retire to
the lounge area to enjoy!
The Cider Shed
Moving on and situated in the courtyard of
Summerhall this Hansel & Gretel style shed
will be transformed into a Cider Shed where
you can taste the Swedish Cider Idun’s.
Enjoy the taste of summer with Elderflower,
Lingonberry and Pear flavours.
Sav ur
Wine at Savour
It’s a surprise that chefs and restaurants don’t do more to help you
match your food and wine (or other dinner drinks), after all, what wine
you drink has far more impact on the flavours in the dish that you’re
eating than an extra pinch of paprika would. Which is why, at Savour,
each stand will have a liquid option next-door to help you see what
would go with the dishes on offer from a range of wines, beers and
softies.
However, one of the trickiest things, is not matching one wine to one
dish but finding a wine that works with a range of dishes and pleases
everyone at the table. Here are some ideas…
The Main Course
At Savour the main course will include everything from smoked fish,
seaweed, roast dinners, pulled pork and curries with some hot dogs in
between. Not the easiest for wine pairing.
Pinot Gris is a great white choice, soft with a hint of sweetness, this
works well with spicy, smoky and provides a neutral back drop to many
other dishes. Try New Zealand for crispier, drier styles and look for
Alsace for rounder wines.
For reds, try a round Rhône blend for a crowd pleaser with the capacity
to stand up to a roast dinner and the juicy fruitiness required for the
slow cooked meats. If you aren’t sure what to order in a restaurant the
Côtes du Rhône is always a safe bet.
The Pudding Hall
Teapots will be the focus of drinks in the Pudding Hall, with Eteaket and
the Roseleaf Bar Café rustling up pots of loveliness to wash down the
chocolate, marshmallows, cakes and traditional desserts. But if you
Vino Wines
will be in the
Dissection
Room.
29
Sav ur
30
fancy something vinous, Moscato d’Asti is a proven winner. It’s
bubbly, softly sweet and will wash down most puddings a
treat.
The Cheese Lounge
Contrary to popular belief a glass of rich red wine or port isn’t
the match made in heaven you might imagine for cheese.
Different styles of cheese can work with white, red, sweet and
fortified wines depending on the style. If you’ve got to pick
one, I’d go for a glass of dry Amontillado which would work
well with the whole spectrum of cheeses.
There will be plenty of choice on the day so get tasting!
A perfectly poured
Pickering’s & Tonic
Pickering’s will be pouring at
Savour! Try this ...
• Thin-rimmed highball
glass
• 50ml (double measure)
Pickering’s Gin
• 150ml (small can) tonic –
Schweppes Indian Tonic
Water if you like your G&T
with a decent amount of
fizz
• 4 medium Pickering’s and
Tonic ice cubes – so your
G&T doesn’t dilute as you
drink it
• Fresh lemongrass,
quartered and split OR a
segment of fresh pink
grapefruit.
Tickets are available from www.bite-magazine.com or
from www.summerhall.co.uk or in person from the
Summerhall box officeand must be purchased in advance
For the latest news and more details on the event and
our fantastic exhibitors follow us on twitter and like our
Facebook page. @Savour_Edi
www.facebook.com/SavourEdinburgh
31
Cocktails:
I
I Can Has Cocktail?
was regaling a youthful colleague (so
young, she had no idea who Paul Newman
is!) with tales of simpler times – of times
when cc really did mean carbon copy (ask
your grandparents), of times when the closest
thing to email was a vacuum tube along
which memos in canisters were fired, and
times where, if you wanted to find out
something, you made your way to the library
and browsed the encyclopedias, when she
bluntly told me to stop being an old git and
get on Facebook!
Now, aside from the deep philosophical
questions that I like to bore D with, this got
me wondering – are the internet and social
media good tools when it comes to finding
out about drinking and, in particular, about
cocktails? Cause I’ll be honest, I suspected
that media where the most viewed items are
cute cats, Justin Beiber, Lady Gaga and
pornography (not on the same site
presumably, but hey! some people have
strange tastes) would be overloaded with
utterly useless drivel. Confusingly, I was both
right and wrong.
You see there is a lot of utterly useless drivel:
I don’t need a website telling me how to
make a birthday martini, using cake vodka
(yes, that’s right – vodka flavoured with
birthday cake); or some dodgy barkeep
tweeting how kickin’ the bass is in the bar
tonite (actually maybe that is a public service
Cute cats and cocktails
announcement, telling me to avoid the bar at
all costs); or even a Facebook page showing
me the best way to get out my face for a
tenner (that’s gonna be some hangover!)
However, if you ignore the fluff, the guff and
the duff, there is a wealth of great stuff to be
found. You just have to be selective in the
sites you visit, the tweeters (is that a word?)
you follow, and the groups you sign up to.
Check out websites like Simon Difford’s
(www.diffordsguide.com) that are ideal if
you’re looking for cocktail recipes. Follow
bars like the Bon Vivant (@the_bon_vivant)
that keep you up to date with menus and
new cocktails on their Twitter feed. ‘Like’
official Facebook pages for spirits like
Caorunn Gin that provide recipes,
details of events and reviews of their
products. And most of all
make sure, where ever
possible, that you visit,
‘like’, follow or read
Bite Magazine
(www.bite-magazine.com).
Are you sure the
tenner’s in the
post Sharon? (M. Earl)
Seven A Day?
32
Healthy Eating With Real Foods:
There’s just no way!
19th to 25th May is National
Vegetarian Week 2014. With
research suggesting we could all
do with a bit more vegetable in
our diet, why not take this
opportunity to get some
organic greenery on your plate
(and let’s face it, many more
delicious colours). There is no
shortage of very simple and
tasty vegetarian recipes out there to get you
started, how about this mouth watering
recipe from Real Foods to begin with.
6.
Buckwheat Galettes
Ingredients – Serves 4
• 250 gms wholegrain buckwheat flour
• Generous pinch fine sea salt
• 2 organic eggs
• About 2 cups or 500ml cold water
• 2 large leeks
• A little olive oil, to cook the galettes and
the leeks
• 2 tbsp almond or other dairy free cream,
optional
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method
1. Put the buckwheat flour and the salt in a
bowl. Add the eggs and start mixing with a
hand whisk.
2. Add the water little by little, still whisking,
until you get a smooth and thin batter.
3. Put the batter in the fridge to rest for at
least 2 hours.
7.
8.
9.
4. When ready, start by cooking
the leeks in a little olive oil,
coconut oil or butter. Cook
until just soft, but still vibrant
green. Add the almond cream if
using, and season with black
pepper to taste and keep warm.
5. Grease a flat frying pan with a
little olive oil, coconut oil or
butter and heat on medium to
high heat until a few drops of
water sizzle.
Pour about 1/4 cup batter at a time, tilting
the pan in various directions so that the
batter completely covers the bottom of
the frying pan. Cook for about 3 minutes
or until the edges of the pancake start
browning and detaching themselves from
the pan.
Carefully tilt and cook on the other side
for about a minute.
Add the leeks fondue or filling of your
choice in the centre of the galette, fold
over and serve hot.
Repeat until you run out of galette batter,
filling, or guest to serve
For more delicious and easy to prepare
vegetarian recipes like this go to
www.realfoods.co.uk/recipes
To get your organic 7 a day the easy way,
with FREE delivery for all UK orders £24+
– www.realfoods.co.uk
Get involved with Natio
Nationall Vegetarian Week
eek
19th–25th May 2014
2
L
Off the Trolley:
33
Marshmallow Fluff
ast weekend I visited the Stockbridge
market, where among the gourmet hot
chocolate, elegant macarons, and
artisan cocoa products was the Marshmallow
Lady. The children were delighted; my adult
companions were surprised; and I was
relieved of a ten-pound note as I took
advantage of her wares. Looking at her
elegant flavours and pillowy-soft products, it
was clear that marshmallows have come a
long way in recent years. And while her
'mallows were amazing, I got to thinking back
to my gourmet-marshmallow free youth,
when one of life’s greatest indulgences was a
jar of Marshmallow Fluff.
Sold in small, mustard-size jars it was used
almost entirely to make ‘fluffer nutters’:
sandwiches made of peanut butter topped
with a healthy layer of the white stuff. But
not only was Marshmallow fluff rarely bought
in my house, it was rarely seen in the shops.
An American product, it wasn’t readily found
outside the US. However a few years ago,
rummaging in Lupe Pintos, I came across a jar.
Not long after, it was in the Harvey Nichol’s
food court. Then it appeared in a strawberry
flavour (untried: why mess with perfection?).
And now, it’s readily found in supermarkets
and American specialist shops all over town.
If you haven’t tried it, you should. Like the
filling of a Tunnocks teacake but stickier
and spreadable, marshmallow fluff has a
myriad of uses. I’ve whipped it with butter
to use as a filling for chocolate cupcakes.
You can use it to make easy microwave fluff
fudge (the recipe is printed on all the jars
now). Americans are fond of mixing it with
sweet potatoes for Thanksgiving, or you can
use it as-is to ice a cake or fill whoopee
pies.
And although it may sound like the
ingredients list should come straight from a
chemistry text book, the components are
actually pretty simple: essentially egg whites,
corn syrup, sugar and vanilla. The internet will
provide you with recipes if you fancy making
your own, and no chemistry set is required
(although a candy thermometer might be
useful).
Marshmallows can be elegant, sophisticated,
and delicate, as sold in the Stockbridge
Market by the talented Marshmallow Lady.
They can be melted in a mug of hot
chocolate or roasted on a fire. Or they can
come in a jar, and be spread on a peanut
butter sandwich. Me? I'll take all of the
above. (R. Edwards)
The internet will provide you with recipes if you fancy making
your own, and no chemistry set is required
34
Healthy Eating With CNM:
Getting Your Folate
Folate is known as Vitamin B9 and is
naturally occurring in foods, whilst
folic acid is the synthetic form found
in fortified foods and some
supplements.
Why you need it:
– Folate is one of the B vitamins
which help the body convert food
into fuel and therefore energy.
– Folate plays an important role in
brain health and may improve
memory.
– It is one of the many nutrients
needed for a healthy pregnancy as
it is involved in the production of
DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic
material. It is shown to reduce
birth defects called neural tube
defects.
– Folate is used in the production of
blood. A deficiency in folate may
lead to anaemia.
Drinking alcohol regularly can reduce
your folate levels.
What do you find it in?
The word folate is derived from the
Latin word “folium”, meaning leaf, so folate can be
found in green leafy vegetables like asparagus,
broccoli, cabbage and Brussels sprouts, but also in
dried beans, peas and sunflower seeds.
Seasonal tip:
Wash Asparagus in cold water and remove the tough
part of the spear by bending it. The spear will break
naturally where the soft and tough parts meet.
Asparagus can be steamed, roasted, added to soups,
salads or omelettes. White asparagus can have a
more delicate flavour. People suffering from gout or
oxalate-containing kidney stones should only eat
asparagus in moderation!
By Nutritional Therapist Roisin Cooke,
graduate of the College of Naturopathic Medicine
(CNM) in Edinburgh.
You can find out more about training with CNM for a career in Naturopathic Nutritional Therapy,
by attending one of CNM’s free-to-attend Open Evenings in Edinburgh. Next dates: Tuesday
6th May and Tuesday 3rd June 6.30pm-8.30pm. For more details or to reserve your place call
01342 410 505, email [email protected] or visit www.naturopathy-uk.com
What’s In Season:
Arran?
Primavera Tabbouleh
35
I
Ingredients
8oz Bulgur wheat, soaked for 20
mins in cold water until soft
Blanched asparagus and samphire
Rocket, watercress, Spring onions
Vine tomatoes, deseeded and
chopped, Fresh herbs, Lemon juice
Oil of your choice
(I like to use rapeseed)
Salt and pepper
Arran is an island of contrasts – white sands, craggy
mountains, panoramic vistas to Mull of Kintyre – some
call it, ‘Scotland in Miniature’; you can drive through
lowlands, highlands, rocky coastlines, sandy beaches and
even the moorland and birch woods of ‘Deeside’. The
same can be said about Arran’s food, reflecting the
diversity of the mainland but confined to an island that is
only 20 miles long and about 10 miles wide. It teems with
local producers from cheese makers, growers of herbs,
ice cream makers to a chocolatier and bakers who
produce oatcakes, bread and rolls, along with the
alcoholic tipples from Arran Brewery and the island’s
only distillery near Lochranza in the north. Stalwarts of
Edinburgh Farmers’ Market, Creelers and Island Cheese
Company can be found not far from Brodick Castle. On
the west coast, the unmistakable yellow blooms of
oilseed rape. I, for one, can’t wait to go back and eat my
way around this wee small gem!
Lea writes http://OfftheEatenTrack.
wordpress.com and is @BakersBunny on Twitter
Method
• Slop the soaked Bulgur into a clean
tea towel and vent your spleen –
squeeze as hard as you can to
remove as much water as possible.
• Dry and slice the asparagus stems
on the diagonal, stop at the spear
and cut that in half from tip to base.
• Slice spring onions on the diagonal
too and rip up the samphire, rocket
and watercress.
• Roughly chop your herbs of choice
and then throw everything into a
pretty bowl. Season with lemon, oil,
salt and pepper until it you think
you’ve tweaked it to your taste.
Serve at room temperature.
Great with anything bbq’d.
Where’s that?
know this is the ‘What’s in Season’ column, but in
April, I was fortunate enough to visit the Isle of Arran.
What surprised me was how few visitors they get
from the east side of Scotland. Talking to one islander, he
told me that chatting to a couple in an Edinburgh
restaurant, they had no idea where Arran was! To say I
was gobsmacked was an understatement; they weren’t
visitors, they were from our fair city.
What else is in my basket?
Hare, crab, lemon sole, sea trout, Jersey Royals, cherries, elderflower,
gooseberries.
Listings
36
Restaurants
Bistros and Brasseries
Apiary – New addition to the growing
Newington dining scene, Apiary is the bigger
version of Three Birds already creating a buzz
about town. In an old bank building, the space is
large and airy with seating for up to 60 in
intimate booths or bigger groups. Lunch, dinner,
pre-theatre, weekend brunch and even Tunnocks
& coffee are the bill of fare, served by
knowledgeable, smiley staff...open Mon-Fri 12pm3pm/5.30pm-10pm, sat+sun
11am-4pm/5pm-10pm. 33 Newington Road,
Edinburgh EH9 1QR – 0131 668 4999
– www.apiaryrestaurant.co.uk
Bijou – A local eatery for breakfast, lunch &
dinner, or maybe just a cheeky glass of wine. An
ever changing menu, available in 3 different sizes,
bijou, medium and main – you choose. Private
Dining available. Free wifi. 2 Restalrig Road
Edinburgh, EH6 8BN – 0131 538 0664
– www.bijoubistro.co.uk
Bread Street Brasserie – A classic Brasserie
offering a seasonal Scottish menu cooked with
flair and imagination. Everything is cooked on the
premises and the menu includes classic dishes
which utilise the best of Scottish seafood and
beef alongside vegetarian and vegan options. All
is served in a buzzy, professional, friendly setting.
Lunch: 12pm-2pm, 7 days (Sunday 12.30pm2.30pm) , pre-theatre from 5pm-7pm (£12.95 for 3
courses), dinner: 5pm-10pm. 34 Bread Street,
Edinburgh EH3 9AF – 0131 221 5558
– www.pointhoteledinburgh.co.uk
The Edinburgh Larder Bistro – Inspired by
local ingredients, The Edinburgh Larder Bistro
serves the best of Scotland’s landscape on a plate.
Tucked away downstairs on the corner of Alva
and Queensferry Street the Bistro is a hidden gem
with cosy dining rooms that blend beautiful old
and modern décor. Proud to work closely with
suppliers who treat Scotland’s wild, natural
resources with honour they offer a uniquely
Scottish experience that doesn’t stop at the food.
The menu also offers a range of Scottish gin, malt
whiskies, local beers and artisan roasted coffees.
Their bakery launched in December 2013 and is
open from 11am-5pm Tue-Sat serving a beautiful
range of cakes and artisan breads. The bistro is
open Tuesday-Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday)
with lunch served between 12pm-2.30 and dinner
from 5.30-10pm.
1a Alva Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4PH
– 0131 225 4599 – www.edinburghlarder.co.uk
Elbow – Eat ... the freshest produce from cakes
to steaks. Drink ... grape to grain and everything inbetween. Enjoy ... the little things that count. . Bar
open 11am-1am, 7 days.Lunch, dinner & snacks
daily from 11am –10pm. Burger & a cocktail £10
every Wednesday all day! Monday Movies,
Tuesday Pub Quiz, Friday's Live Music & D.J's.
133-135 East Claremont Street, Edinburgh
– 0131 556 5662 – www.elbowedinburgh.co.uk
The Shore – Next to the famous Fishers
restaurant on The Shore sits this classic bistro
from the same owners with wood panelling, huge
mirrors, open fires and hearty satisfying food. The
food is a creative mix of classic British dishes
with a modern European twist. Set lunch Mon-Fri,
2 courses £13, 3 courses £16. Bar snack menu also
available all day. Live folk and jazz musicians
entertain customers in the bar on Tuesdays and
Sundays. Open everyday from noon-late. 3 Shore,
Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW – 0131 553 5080
– www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk
Listings
37
The Olive Branch – With its large windows
and relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to
enjoy a relaxing brunch, lunch or dinner in the
company of friends or family, with children under
14 welcome until 8pm. Using the best local
produce, we aim to provide inventive seasonal
dishes with a Mediterranean feel, as well as
classic comfort food. Open Mon to Fri 11.45 to
10pm, Sat and Sun 10am to 10pm. 91 Broughton
Street, EH1 3RX – 0131 557 8589
– www.theolivebranchscotland.co.uk
Stac Polly Brasserie, Gin & Wine Bar –
Scottish lunch menu with meat, fish, vegetarian
options and sharing platters. Light bites from midafternoon and throughout the evening. Selection
of premium Scottish and London gins and
beautiful, modern Scottish décor. Open 7 days a
week from 12 noon until midnight. Mon-Sat
12noon-2pm. Brunch 12.30-3pm on Sundays. 29-33
Dublin Street Edinburgh EH3 6NL
– 0131 5562231 – www.stacpolly.com
Webster, from breakfast and afternoon tea to latenight dining, all with views of Edinburgh Castle.
The bar features over 40 different varieties of
premium gin. Open daily from 7am to midnight,
food served until 11pm.
1 Festival Square, Edinburgh EH3 9SR
– 0131 221 6422 – www.OneSquareEdinburgh.co.uk
Purslane – It's all about the produce at this
bijou restaurant in Edinburgh’s boho
neighbourhood of Stockbridge. Fresh local
seasonal ingredients are the foundation upon
wich Chef Paul Gunning creates stunning dishes.
He uses a mix of old and new techniques with a
nod to worldwide influences and the result is top
notch dining but in a casual unbuttoned ambience.
33a St. Stephen Street Stockbridge, Edinburgh EH3
5AH – 0131 226 3500 –
www.purslanerestaurnt.co.uk – Open for lunch &
dinner Tues-Sat 12 noon-2pm and 6.30pm-11.30pm.
Californian
Three Birds Restaurant – A firm
neighbourhood favourite in Bruntsfield, 3Birds is a
pocket-rocket of a restaurant. Small, cosy and
busy, menus change every 3 months and daily
specials add more choice. Famous for sharing
platters and great wine pricing, a warm welcome
always awaits...open Mon-Fri 12pm-2.30pm/610pm, sat-sun 12pm-4pm/5pm-10pm.
3-5 Viewforth, Edinburgh EH10 4JD
– 0131 229 3252
– www.threebirds.co.uk
Calistoga – Current Holders of ‘Speciality
Restaurant of the Year’ at Scottish Restaurant
Awards. Edinburgh’s original and only Californian
restaurant. Our unique fresh food is prepared by
our great kitchen team who are inspired by the
flavours of California. Wine List of over 100
Californian wines at only £5 above shop prices. Try
us or book one of of unique Wine, Whisky or Beer
Tastings Dinners. Private Dining.
70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh EH2 3DX
– 0131 225 1233 – www.calistoga.co.uk
British (Modern)
Fish and Seafood
One Square – a vibrant bar and restaurant,
offering a modern, uniquely British take on the
classic grand café, serving an inventive range of
dishes by award-winning Executive Chef, Malcolm
Fishers in the City – A spacious and stylish
space – the epitome of a classic city centre
eatery. Set in a converted warehouse on cobbled
Thistle Street the comtemporary surroundings
Listings
38
offer the perfect venue for a casual lunch or
initmate night out. A firm favourite with locals
and visitors for fabulous Scottish seafood. Set
lunch & pre-theatre menu, 2 courses £13, 3
courses £16, everyday 12 noon-6pm. Open
everyday from 12 noon - late. 58 Thistle Street,
Edinburgh EH2 1EN – 0131 225 5109
– www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk
Fishers in Leith – has been the last word in
Edinburgh's finest casual dining for 21 years. The
original Fishers is nestled on the historic shore of
Leith. Set in a 17th century watchtower it has two
beautiful dining areas, the round room and bar and
the restaurant as well as outside dining. All offer
great atmsophere and, of course, fabulous Scottish
seafood – Set lunch & pre-theatre menu, 2 courses
£13, 3 courses £16. Open everyday from 12 noon late. 1 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6QW
– 0131 554 5666 –
www.fishersrestaurantgroup.co.uk
The Ship on The Shore – Seafood Restaurant
and Bar. Sustainable Scottish seafood served with
simplicity and style complemented by a carefully
chosen and extensive wine and champagne list.
Try the fruits de mer for two or the oysters, both
with champagne. The Ship also serves lobster,
smoked salmon, mussels, crab, monkfish, bass and
much more. Seasonal specialities include game
and meat dishes. Outside seating. Food served
Mon-Sun noon-10pm. 24-26 The Shore
– 0131 555 0409.
French
Bistro Provence – Head Chef Paul Malinen
and Patron Michael Fons bring the taste of Le
Midi to Edinburgh. Taste typical Provencal dishes
and wines in this friendly relaxed bistro. The
menu changes seasonally and there is a
degustation menu everySaturday night. Open
Tues-Sun 12 noon-10pm. 88 Commerical Street,
Leith – 0131 344 4295 –
www.bistroprovence.co.uk
La Garrigue – Regional French Cuisine and
Terroir Wines from the Languedoc/Roussillon. A
restaurant where ‘Chef Jean Michel Gauffre brings
warm Languedoc to your plate’ (Peter Irvine,
Scotland The Best). Simple and stylish with the
relaxed ambience of a French bistro and a firm
favourite with locals and tourists alike. Winner of
the Good food Guide Readers’ Restaurant of the
Year 2010. Also Gordon Ramsay’s Best French
Restaurant 2010. Open 7 Days for Lunch & Dinner.
31 Jeffrey Street – 0131 557 3032
– www.lagarrigue.co.uk
La P’tite Folie – Informal, bustling bistro with
mixed clientèle. Favourites include moules frites,
steak frites, beef bourguignon, duck, etc. Extensive
wine list. 2 course lunch £10.50, noon-3pm. Dinner
a la carte 6-11pm. Closed Sundays. Large groups
catered for, set dinner available.
9 Randolph Place – 0131 225 8678
61 Frederick Street – 0131 225 7983
L'Escargot Blanc – first floor West End
restaurant. Sit beside a window and reminisce of
the bohemian Latin Quarter or Marais district of
Paris. Traditional French and classic dishes such as
garlicky Snails, Rabbit in Dijon mustard, Sheltland
lamb Navarin or Cassoulet, Îles Flottantes and
Tarte Tatin. Provenance is paramount here and
expect to find imported goods from well reputed
producers only. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm
and 5.30pm-10pm. Fri & Sat 12 noon-3pm and
5.30pm-10pm. Closed Sunday. 17 Queensferry St
– 0131 226 1890 to make a reservation
– www.lescargotbleu.co.uk
Listings
39
L'Escargot Bleu – “French twist using the best
of Scotland”. The Auld Alliance is alive and well!
Chef Patron Fred Berkmiller seeks out others that
share this passion for excellence. Producers of
Scotland for 1st class quality meat, fresh water
fish, handpicked fruits and vegetables whilst his
partner Betty will proudly serve you Hervé Mons
exclusive selection of French cheese.
Recommended by the Michelin Guide and listed
in the best 5 restaurants by Peter Irvine/Scotland
the Best. Open Mon-Thurs 12 noon-2.30pm and
5.30pm-10pm. Fi & Sat 12 noon-3pm and 5.30pm10.30pm. Closed Sunday (open 7 days during
August). 56 Broughton Street – 0131 557 1600 to
make a reservation – www.lescargotbleu.co.uk
Italian
Mia – simple, cosy and welcoming. Serving
delicious food, fine wines and fresh Italian
coffee. 2 course lunch £7.50 with a dessert and
glass of wine £9.50 (Mon-Fri), £8.50 & £10.50 (Sat),
2 course dinner £14.95 & £16.95 (Sat). A La Carte
available daily from 10am-late.
– 96 Dalry Rd, EH11 2AX – 0131 629 1750
– www.mia-restaurant.co.uk
Kurdish / Middle Eastern
Hanams –Authentic cuisine in the heart of
Edinburgh and and voted one of Britain’s Top 5
Middle Eastern Restaurants by the Telegraph. The
menu features falafel and baba ghanoush,
charcoal cooked shish kebabs and
mouthwatering exotic ices and desserts. There is
an extensice Dry Bar and shish balcony(blankets
provided!). Open 7 Days. 3 Johnston Terrace, EH1
2PW – 0131 225 1329 – www.hanams.com
Pomegranate – Middle Eastern Street Food
and Shisha Bar. Cold and hot mezes, kebabs, a
wide selection of vegetarian dishes, main courses
and mouthwatering desserts. BYOB with no
corkage charge. Non-alcohol bar available plus
Shisha pipes. 1 Antigua Street, Edinburgh,
EH1 3NH – 0131 556 8337
– www.pomegranatesrestaurant.com
Mediterranean
Laila's Mediterranean Bistro and
Takeaway – Middle Eastern and Mediterranean
favourites – fresh salads, paninis, wraps, and mezze
style light meals. Breakfast from 8am daily,
specialty coffees and teas and Mediterranean and
Middle Eastern cakes and pastries throughout the
day. Laila’s tranforms into a warm and cosy bistro in
the evening with olive tree inspired decor, hanging
lanterns, comfy seating, delicious dinner menu,
BYOB and free corkage. 63 Cockburn Street, EH1
1BS – 0131 237 2448 – www.lailas-bistro.co.uk
Mexican
Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas and
Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled
marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked
pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also available.
Fresh made guacamole and choice of five salsas
ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3,
EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes. 281 Leith Walk
– 0131 555 6619 – www.loscardos.co.uk
Modern European
Credo – Relaxed, casual dining at a very
reasonable price. Start with the MAT (mezze,
antipasti, tapas) for sharing, followed by a choice of
main courses and an assiette of desserts or
cheesebaord to follow. £15 for 3 courses/£11.50 for
Listings
40
2! Also informal lunch, brunch at weekends.
Mezzanine area for parties – 46 Queen Charlotte
Street, Leith, EH6 7EX – 0131 629 1411 –
[email protected]
– www.credorestaurant.co.uk
two well loved bars. The emphasis is on quality,
fresh, locally sourced Scottish food and drink .
Spend the day with us meandering between bar
and restaurant! The west end, 26 William Street,
EH3 7NH – 0131 226 1036. Leith, 1a Dock Place,
EH6 6LU – 0131 554 7427 – www.aroomin.co.uk
Scottish
Field – This restaurant as its name suggests
loves 'field-fresh food' and is proud to showcase
Scotland's larder in a menu of tasty, innovative,
seasonal dishes. The wine-list is carefully chosen
and tempting. A cosy, unpretentious,
neighbourhood restaurant in the University /
Old Town area. which also happens to be superb
value for money 2 Courses £11.95 / 3 Courses
£14.50. 41 West Nicolson Street, EH8 9DB
– 0131 667 7010 – www.fieldrestaurant.co.uk – Sittings: Tues-Sat 12 noon-2pm and
5.30pm-9pm.
The Forth Floor Restaurant, Bar &
Brasserie – The best in contemporary eating
and drinking & un-paralleled views from the
Castle to the Firth of Forth. Executive Chef Stuart
Muir uses fresh seasonal Scottish produce to
create food of the finest quality by matching
modern flavours with classical techniques. Fresh,
sustainable seafood available from the Seafood
Bar whilst the Brasserie offers round the clock
eating. Brasserie: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 11am5pm; Restaurant: lunch – Mon-Fri 12 noon-3pm, Sat
& Sun 12 noon-3.30pm, dinner, Tues-Sat 6pm-10pm.
[email protected]
Book on line at www.harveynichols.com
– 30-34 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh,
EH2 2AD – 0131 524 8350
a room in leith and teuchters landing, a
room in the west end and teuchters bar
– Two well-loved Scottish bistros attached to
No. Ten Restaurant – Attached to the Royal
College of Surgeons this restaurant is tucked
away from the hubbub of the old town but also
close to the Festival Theatre and other arts
venues. It offers an excellent value Pre Theatre
menu and a seasonal A La Carte menu with an
emphasis on high quality Scottish provenance
ingredients available 5pm-10.00pm.
10 Hill Place EH8 9DS, – 0131 662 2080
– www.tenhillplace.com
Stac Polly – Stac Polly is one of Edinburgh's
original restaurants for authentic Scottish food
and atmosphere; now in its 23rd year. Stone walls
combine with flickering candles, crisp linen and
twinkling glasses to give a truly Scottish
experience. Expect a menu of exciting
interpretations of modern and traditional cuisine
using locally sourced produce. We have a fantastic
selection of Scottish beers and a fine array of
single malt whiskies at both Dublin Street and St
Marys Street Bistro. Private dining rooms at Dublin
Street and St Mary's Street Bistro. Open 7 days.
New menus online – www.stacpolly.com
29-33 Dublin St – 0131 556 2231
38 St Mary’s St – 0131 557 5754
Turquoise Thistle – Fine dining in a relaxed
atmosphere. A La Carte Menu from 5pm; pretheatre menu from 5pm-7pm. Bar area serving
signature cocktails and a great selection of
Scottish beer and lager in convivial surroundings.
At Hotel Indigo, 59 York Pl, EH1 3JD
– 0131 556 5577 – www.hotelindigoedinburgh.co.uk
Listings
41
The Whiski Rooms – Glamorous new sister
venue to the award winning WHISKI on the Royal
Mile. With iconic views over the mound to
Edinburgh, it's an all day dining bar &
bistro/restaurant serving fresh Scottish food.
Stocking an impressive range of premium spirits,
wines and Scottish beers,ciders and over 300
whiskies. Beside the bar is a specialist whisky shop
where you can buy the bar's range and more. Daily
whisky tastings.
– Whiski Bar & Restaurant, 119 High Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 1SG, 0131 556 3095.
Whiski Rooms Bar & Bistro, 4-7 North Bank Street,
Edinburgh, EH1 2LP – 0131 225 7224
Whiski Rooms Shop – 0131 225 1532
– www.whiskishop.com
Spanish
Tapa – With its white-washed, high-vaulted walls
adorned with a stunning floor to ceiling antique
bull fighting poster and live Flamenco guitarist on
Friday & Saturday evenings, Tapa in Leith evokes
memories of lazy summer holidays spent with
family and friends. Sunday afternoons are a must
as their Andalusian Head Chef prepares Paella in
the restaurant while you eat! The perfect tonic if
you have over indulged the previous evening! 19
Shore Place, Edinburgh EH6 6SW
– 0131 476 6776 – [email protected]
– www.tapaedinburgh.co.uk
Tex Mex
Tex Mex – Donald Mavor, head chef and
proprietor brings the heart of Mexico to your
table, emphasising traditional Mexican food with
an authentic menu. Try the flaming fajitas and the
potent Margaritas ‘the best in town’. Good fun,
tasty food and very affordable.
64 Thistle Street – 0131 260 9699
– www.texmex2.com
Bars and Bar Food
The Abbotsford – City’s finest ‘island bar’. Est.
1902 specialising in Scottish real ales (6) and malt
whiskies. Food served all day in the bar. Lunch &
dinner in the Restaurant ‘Above’.
3-5 Rose Street, EH2 2PR – 0131 225 5276
– www.theabbotsford.com
Boda Bar – A cosy, friendly bar with a subtle
Swedish twist. Regulars, Leithers, Students and
Tourists mix together are all welcome. When you
book the backroom for more than 15 people you
get a small, free buffet. Here you can try the
lovely Idun’s Elderflower cider, Aquavit and many
odd shots. Every Monday is live music and on
regular basis there are Bar Boot Sales. Check web
page for all events: www.bodabar.com Open MonFri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am and Sun 1pmmidnight. 229 Leith Walk – 0131 553 5900
The Canons’ Gait – Royal Mile Bar & Bistro
specialising in Ales from Scottish micro breweries.
Reputation for impressive bar food. Live Music.
Cellar Bar free hire. Food served: Mon-Sat noon8pm. 232 Canongate, High Street, EH8 8DQ
– 0131 556 4481 – www.canonsgait.com
The Cumberland Bar – Spacious New Town
local, lots of rooms and beer garden. Eight real
ales on tap. Plus good wine list. Food all day.
Sunday Roasts (till 6.00pm).
1 Cumberland Street EH3 6RT – 0131 558 3134
– www.cumberlandbar.co.uk
Listings
42
Element – Tucked away just off Princes Street in
amongst the boutiques of Rose Street you will
find Element. The bar has long since established
itself as the perfect place to eat, drink and relax
right in the heart of the Edinburgh. Whether you
fancy a quick drink after work, a bite to eat or a
long lazy lunch, Element will deliver above and
beyond. 110-114 Rose St EH2 3JF – 0131 225 3297
– www.elementedinburgh.co.uk
Jake’s Place – A rustic bar and kitchen serving
the best in American and Scottish craft beer, malt
whisky, bourbon and rye. A succulent fusion of
American and Scottish street food. Opening
hours: Mon-sat 12 noon-1am; Sun 12.30pm-1am
– 9-13 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1DE
– 0131 226 1446 – www.jakes-place.co.uk
Joseph Pearce – Joseph Pearce's popularity is
testament to the warm and genuine welcome it
extends to a diverse clientele. During the day a
raised area to the back is a family-friendly haven,
stocked with all the toys, highchairs and feeding
paraphernalia that junior patrons and their
beleaguered parents could require. From 5pm a
more grown-up but equally laid-back atmosphere
pervades, making Pearce's a favourite haunt of a
cool crowd seeking simple relaxation or perhaps
taking part in one of the regular jogging. Many will
be there to enjoy the Scandinavian-tinged menu
of gravadlax, pork meatballs with root vegetable
mash in a plum sauce or smoked haddock with
crisply roasted hasselback potatoes and poached
egg, all washed down with a great draught and
bottled drinks selection Open Sun-Thurs 11ammidnight, Fri-Sat 11am -1am.
23 Elm Row – 0131 556 4140.
The Guildford Arms – Edinburgh’s finest Real
Ale Bar Est. 1898 (10) ale taps mainly Scottish, (13)
keg beers/ciders, good wine and whisky lists. Food
served all day in classic Victorian bar or boutique
‘Gallery’ restaurant above.
1-5 West Register Street – 0131 556 4312
– www.guildfordarms.com
–[email protected]
The Huxley – Your home from home in
Edinburgh’s West End. The Huxley is the perfect
place to relax, refuel, gather with friends and
enjoy our extensive cocktail list. An informal vibe
where the focus is on terrific food – burgers and
dogs, beautifully created cocktails, wide selection
of beers and wines served with exceptional
customer service. The burgers are listed as some
of the best in town whilst the ‘dogs’ include,
‘naked’ and ‘chilli-cheese’ versions which regularly
change and evolve. Small plates and boards of
tempting tapas also feature. Coffee and homebaked pastries to sit in or to go make this a very
flexible venue. 1 Rutland Street, EH1 2AE
– 0131 229 3402 – www.thehuxley.co.uk
The Lioness of Leith – Bar/brasserie situated
in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant and
fashionable Leith area specialising in fine British
and European food and drink. Since opening in
December 2013 The Lioness has rejuvenated Duke
Street to make this end of town a goto area
synonymous with good times. Live DJs, eclectic
and quirky decor, in a relaxed atmosphere,
combined with a fantastic selection of local and
international premium beverages and an exciting
and innovative choice of cocktails, mean there’s a
new destination for Edinburgh’s foodies and style
set alike. The Lioness of Leith is on Facebook and
is at 21-25 Duke Street – 0131 629 0580.
Nobles – With this café bar and venue, the
Phoenix has risen from the flames. Since reopening
this classic Victoriana bar has very quickly
established a top reputation as a classy watering
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hole, fine eatery and live music hub and continues
to charm critics and customers alike. Nobles has a
warm, inviting and contemporary feel whist
maintaining it's traditional, bold wood and stain
glass heritage. The menu is locally sourced and
expertly prepared to an exceptionally high
standard. Music also plays a large part in the day to
day life of Nobles so expect to see top drawer,
original live music from Tuesday through to Sunday
following food service. Real ales, a fantastic wine
list, high speed wi-fi, fresh FairtradeTM coffee plus
various organic loose leaf teas complete the
experience. Opening times 12pm-1am Monday to
Friday, 10am-1am Saturday and Sunday. Children &
Dry well behaved dogs are welcome.
44a Constitution Street, Leith, Edinburgh EH6 6RS
– 0131 629 7215 – www.noblesbarleith.co.uk
– www.facebook.com/noblesbarleith
The Old Chain Pier – Under the new
management of Billy and Peter Ross, this
Newhaven bar has a glass frontage with views
over the firth of forth which allow one of the
finest panoramic views in Edinburgh. The water
almost laps your toes. Real ales, bottled beers,
wines and whiskies. Fresh, homemade pub food
made on the premises daily. Child and dog
friendly, beer garden. 32 Trinity Crescent,
Edinburgh, EH5 3ED – 0131 552 4960
The Queens Arms – A hidden jewel, below the
cobbles of Frederick Street and steeped in
Scottish history. This New Town pub provides a
home from home for locals and tourists alike.
With an amazing selection of real ales, Scottish
Whiskies and a twist on some classic cocktails
you're guaranteed to enjoy this cosy wee pub.
49 Frederick Street, EH2 1EP – 0131 225 1045
– www.queensarmsedinburgh.com
Roseleaf Bar Café – A cosy bar café off the
shore in Leith serving fresh juices, real ales, local
bottled beers, cracking coffee, loose leaf teas &
“Pot-Tails!”... cocktails in teapots! All served up in
Grannies finest bone china. Barry brunchs served
from 10am till 5pm & din-dins & munchies served
from 5pm till 10pm everyday with daily changing
specials including Sunday roasts & home baked
bread & deserts all made with luv! Locally
sourced, free range & organic where possible
cause it tastes really, really good! Free WIFI,
wheelchair & child friendly. Open from 10am-1am
everyday. For bookings call 0131 476 5268 or email
us at [email protected]. 23-24 Sandport Place,
Leith – www.roseleaf.co.uk
The Salisbury Arms – In the shadow of the
majestic Arthur's Seat and opposite the
Commonwealth pool. A beautifully refurbished
country-style pub in the city, log fires, leather
couches and a stunning restaurant area. Serving
quality home cooked food with an interesting
wine list and cask ales. 58 Dalkeith Rd, Edinburgh,
EH16 5AD – 0131 667 4518
– www.thesalisburyarmsedinburgh.co.uk
The Sheep’s Heid – village pub & restaurant in
Duddingston and Edinburgh’s oldest surviving
watering hole. Pull up a chair near the roaring fire,
dine on Scottish seasonal food or in the warmer
months, kick back in the beer garden. Real ales on
tap, wine list and a skittle alley available to hire
for parties. 43-45 The Causeway, Edinburgh, EH15
3QA – 0131 661797. Open everyday
– www.thesheepheidedinburgh.co.uk
Sofi’s – Sofi’s bar is the port in the storm, it is the
little squeeze in a hug, it is home from home. So
feel free to sink in and snuggle up, with a glass of
wine, or a pint of beer. On Friday and Saturdays it
is more like a party in the kitchen with many
delightfully tasty cocktail s on offer. Lots of
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events: Sing Songwriters nights, Clothes swaps,
Knitting nights, Film nights and variety of cool
parties. Check webpage: www.bodabar.com
Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon-1am Sun 1pm 1am. 65 Henderson Street – 0131 555 7019.
The Street – A popular mixed bar at the top of
the very funky Broughton St. By day the glass
front makes it an ideal place to relax inside or out
with a coffee & people watch, whilst at night it
attracts a livelier crowd with a buzzing
atmosphere. Good pub food such as homemade
burgers & enchiladas until 9pm, and snacks such as
nachos, homemade chilli & potato wedges until
midnight Sun-Thurs. Premium selection of beers,
wines & spirits and cocktails and Rekordelig cider
on draft! Open 12pm-1am Mon-Sat, 12.30pm-1am
Sun. 2 Picardy Place, EH1 3JT – 0131 556 4272
– www.thestreetbaredinburgh.co.uk
meal or simply a coffee and a slice of cake. Great
bar menu available. The White Horse is also a free
fringe venue in the private stable room to the rear
of the building throughout the festival. Opening
times: Mon-Thur 12 noon-11pm, Fri & Sat 12 noon12 pm, Sun 12 noon-11pm.
266 Canongate – 0131 557 3512
Cafés/Informal
Edinburgh Larder – A relaxed bright and
welcoming café with a delicious selection of
local, good quality food using organic/seasonal
ingredients whenever possible. Great coffee from
Artisan Roast, teas from Eteaket, lovely
homebaking inc. superb cakes! Fully licensed with
tasty local craft beer and cider. Free WiFi,
wheelchair and child-friendly. Open from 8am5pm Mon-Thurs and 9am-5pm Sat-Sun.
15 Blackfriars Street, EH1 1NB – 0131 556 6922
– www.edinburghlarder.co.uk
Victoria – Victoria’s philosophy is that everyone
who is nice is welcome to join the party. The
drinks range is chosen and proven by staff and
regulars, including beers from at least thirty-five
different countries and their own-brand Iduns
swedish cider. Events include a language café
every Monday, live acoustic music every so often
and irregular speed-dating singles nights. Any
sense of gimmickry is nicely underplayed, though.
With a child-friendly ethos during the day, a warm
and moodily lit atmosphere at night, a wellstocked bar and very friendly service, all you need
for a great local is right here. Check facebook for
all events. Open Mon-Fri 2pm-1am, Sat noon -1am
and Sun 1pm- midnight.
265 Leith Walk – 0131 555 1638.
Hemma – A newly opened café/bar with great
brunch, lunch, buffet, smörgåsbord platters,
dinners and last but not least cakes. A family
friendly haven daytime and a party place at night
with 12 well chosen draughts on tap and an
extensive cocktail list. It is a big place where you
can bring 130 of your friends and have a great
party on the mezzanine level. Every Friday is a
after work DJ starting from 6pm. Other events like
networking meetings, promotional events, Vintage
pop up shops and plenty others are occurring on
a frequent basis. Come and have a look! Open
Sun-Thurs 11am-midnight Fri-Sat 11am -1am.
Tun Building, 75 Holyrood Road – 0131 629 3327.
The White Horse – The bar is an institution on
the Royal Mile where it has been serving thirsty
locals and tourists alike in several different guises
since 1742. Come along for a glass of wine, pint,
Union of Genius Soup Café – You need soup
and we have soup – officially the best soup in
Scotland! Two of our soups are Great Taste Gold
award-winners. Each day we serve six different
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soups, flavour-matched with artisan breads. We
always have veggie and vegan options, and most
of our soups are naturally gluten-free. We have
Artisan Roast coffee, Eteaket teas and a gorgeous
range of hot chocolates from the Chocolate Tree.
Open 10am-4pm Mon-Fri.
8 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN, – 0131 226 4436
– www.unionofgenius.com and we are now
mobile – see ‘Soup Van’
Craft Pattisserie and
Café
La Cerise – is a fresh and innovative patisserie
cake and coffee shop that will leave you hooked
on Café Culture. Individual cakes, celebration
cakes, pastries, award-winning home-made icecream and more – all made fresh on the
premises. All products are hand-crafted fine
foods made from the best quality ingredients.
Many are gluten-free and they use free-range
eggs. From homemade soups that will transform
your lunchtime into a five-a-day brain-booster, to
cakes and desserts that evoke sheer ecstasy, and
delicious savoury items. 199 Great Junction
Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ –
0131 555 6065. LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm – www.lacerise.biz
Food Events
Eat Walk Edinburgh – A foodie walking tour,
presently in the top ten of activities in Edinburgh
on Tripadvisor with a five star rating. The morning
tour takes in the Canongate and visits a number
of shops and bars where you get the chance to
talk to the locals and taste some great Scottish
produce. The afternoon tour takes in the Old and
New Towns offering more of a full meal as we
meander between six venues tasting food, wines
and whisky as we go. Both tours last three to
three and half hours. Gift vouchers are available
for the Foodie in your life.
Visit our web site for further information at
www.eatwalkedinburgh.co.uk
Foodie Gift Shop
Cranachan & Crowdie – Purveyors of Fine
Scottish Food, Drink & Gifts, this Royal Mile gem
is Edinburgh’s leading speciality food & gift shop,
selling only Scottish products. Choose a unique
present or create a tantalizing Scottish food
hamper filled with award winning delights. Their
range includes scrumptious Scottish must-haves
such as smoked venison and salmon, cheese,
chutney, shortbread, tablet, chocolate, haggis,
black pudding, tea, coffee, beer and spirits.
Beyond the array of edibles are quality Scottish
gifts including Harris Tweed, earthenware, handblown glass and an exclusive range of ex-whisky
barrel pieces. Open daily 11-6.
263 Canongate, Edinburgh EH8 8BQ
– 0131 556 7194
– www.CranachanAndCrowdie.com
Ice Cream
La Cerise – Award winning artisan ice cream. 5
Bronze awards at the Royal Highland Show 2012.
All ice-creams are gluten-free and are homemade using Scottish milk and Scottish cream. No
fat substitutes or flavourings. All available as
cones or in tubs to eat-in or take-away and a
huge range of flavours which include the exotic
and well as classic favourites. 199 Great Junction
Street (corner Bangor Road), Leith, EH6 5LQ
– 0131 555 6065 – www.lacerise.biz
LRT buses: 1, 7, 10, 14, 21, 34, 36.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-6pm.
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Affogato – gelato e caffé. Specialising in
artisanal gelato, made fresh daily on the premises.
All crafted using the finest ingredients with no
artificial flavourings or colours. Our gelato is
vegetarian with plenty of gluten-free and dairy
free (vegan) options. Large seating area. Sit in or
takeaway. Handmade cakes, Illy coffee, Valrhona
chocolate and savoury snacks. 36 Queensferry
Street, Edinburgh. EH2 4QS (2 minute walk from
Princes Street) – www.affogatogelato.co.uk or
www.facebook.com/affogatoedinburgh
Local Cooking Lessons
Do you want to master French
Macarons? – Mademoiselle Macaron now
offers classes at the beautiful Edinburgh School of
Food and Wine. Vouchers are also available for
gifts. For more information visit:
www.mademoisellemacaron.co.uk/classes
Soup Van
Union of Genius Street – Find Dumbo, our
Citroen H van on the NW corner of George
Square, next to Middle Meadow Walk. Dumbo
carries four different Union of Genius soups each
day, paired with Manna House breads. The South
Side is now the Soup Side! With our Forrest Road
café and Dumbo, you can now find 10 Union of
Genius soups each weekday. Dumbo trades
11.30am-2.30pm Monday-Friday
– www.unionofgenius.com
Takeaways
Fish ‘n’ Chips Pierinos – Situated in the
heart of the Shore area of Leith, Pierino’s is
renowned for it’s traditional Fish & Chips,
Takeaway Favourites and authentic Italian Pizzas
and Pasta, which is achieved by paying special
attention to every fine detail and only using the
very finest ingredients. Pierino’s have been offering
traditional Fish & Chips since 1983. You’ll also find
an array of other favourites, such as homemade
Pizzas, Burgers, Kebabs, Pasta and great value Meal
Deals. If you are looking for the best Fast Food in
Edinburgh, then order online for delivery or
collection with our easy to use website.
Call 0131 477 7727 or order online at
pierinos.readyforfood.com.
11 Bernard Street, Leith, EH6 6PW
Los Cardos – Fresh Mex Burritos, Quesadillas
and Tacos made-to-order with choice of grilled
marinated chicken, steak, haggis, and slow-cooked
pork. Vegetarian and vegan options also available.
Fresh made guacamole and choice of five salsas
ranging from Mild to Extra-Hot. Delivery to EH3,
EH5, EH6, EH7 and EH8 postcodes.
281 Leith Walk – 0131 555 6619
– www.loscardos.co.uk
Wine Bars
10 Wine Bar – A vibrant and contemporary
space, offering an extensive list of wines supplied
by Corney & Barrow, A large selection of beers
and spirits are also available along with tapas,
light snacks and sharing plates. 10 Hill Place, EH8
9DS – 0131 662 2080 – www.tenhillplace.com
Open 12 noon-10pm.
Le Di-Vin – is Edinburgh’s most sophisticated
Wine Bar beside La P’tite Folie restaurant on
Randolph Place. You can enjoy complementing
charcuterie with your favourite wine as most are
sold by the glass. Open Mon-Sat 12 noon ‘til late.
Closed Sundays. 9 Randolph Place, EH3 7TE
– 0131 538 1815 – www.ledivin.co.uk
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Wine Stores
109 Comiston Rd – 0131 447 8580 and new shop
now open at 23 Roseburn Terrace – 0131 337 4444.
Bacco Wine – Independent Italian wine and oil
specialists. Delivering only the best Italy can offer.
Free delivery on any 6 bottles case and special
discounts in the Edinburgh area. New Shop Open
Now at 136 Dundas Street
– www.bacco-wine.co.uk
Sideways Wine Store – Californian wine
specialist. Over 150 wines and beers available. Free
delivery in Edinburgh area. Buy direct from
www.Bottleshock.co.uk.
70 Rose St. Lane North, Edinburgh
EH2 3DX – 0131 225 1233 – www.Calistoga.co.uk
Henderson Wines – Independent wine
merchant. Wine ranges from £5 a bottle on offer
wines to £100 plus on fine clarets and champagne.
A good range of collectable Malt Whiskies up to
£300 a bottle. 100+ beers available. Collectable
spirits also. Home delivery.
Vino Wines – Local, Independent and Different.
The best wines of the world, the UK, world craft
beers and specialist artisan spirits. Branches at
Grange Loan, Stockbridge, Morningside and
Broughton St – www.vinowines.co.uk
– @vinowineshops – [email protected]
Magazine
get involved!
Please sign up to our newsletter to find
out more about upcoming foodie events
[email protected]
or go to www.bite-magazine.com
Follow us on
and
If you would like to write for us please
send a recent food article or review of
300 words to [email protected]
JOIN THE CELEBRATIONS
FROM SUNDAY 4 – SUNDAY 18 MAY WE’VE GOT
AN ACTION-PACKED SCHEDULE THAT SHOWCASES
THE VERY BEST THAT THE FORTH FLOOR HAS TO OFFER.
Enjoy an exciting programme of events including tutored tastings,
movie nights, martini cocktails, sushi school, new craft beers,
a beauty evening and delicious new menus too!
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY 7pm
Restaurant Event:
Tutored Whisky Tasting Dinner
with Johnnie Walker
£55 pp including four course dinner
SUNDAY 11 MAY 1pm
Bar Event: Kids Film Club: Ratatouille
£35 for one adult and child or
£65 for two adults, two children
includes dining
TUESDAY 13 MAY 6.30pm
Bar Event: Movies & Shakers: Sideways
£45 including three course dinner
WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 7pm
Brasserie Event:
Beauty Evening and Dinner
£50 pp including three course dinner
SUNDAY 4 MAY – SUNDAY 18 MAY
Restaurant:
Enjoy our tableside Martini Service
£9 per cocktail
New Cheese Menu
Available lunch and dinner in the Restaurant
four pieces £9, nine pieces £17
Festival Celebration Menu
Available lunch and dinner in the Restaurant
(except Saturday after 7pm)
£30 for three courses
Brasserie:
Festival Celebration Menu
Available lunch and dinner
£20 for three courses
chocolate lounge:
Enjoy samples of handmade
Choc-tail Truffles to all who dine
Enjoy a special selection of craft beers from
£5 available in the Bar and Brasserie
To find out more about any of the Restaurant Festival events or to book,
please call 0131 524 8350 or visit harveynichols.com

May 2014 - Bite Magazine

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